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“Dragon-Turtle Fire Spirit?!” Ning Zhuo heard its voice through the Life-Thread Connection, a flicker of surprise dancing in his eyes.

Ning Zhuo immediately halted his actions, a sliver of joy sparking within him.

Dragon-Turtle Fire Spirit: “Little… Spirit has finally re-established contact with Little Master.”

The Dragon-Turtle Fire Spirit exerted all its effort to project an image of weakness, yet fervent excitement.

The fire whip lashed out once more, causing the Dragon-Turtle Fire Spirit to grimace in agony.

It gasped, sucking in a breath of frigid air, and continued its entreaty: “Little Master, please cease your actions and heed my words. What I am about to impart is of paramount importance.”

“The Old Master’s design, encompassing three paths for assessment and training, holds a particular significance.”

“The Buddhist path, which Little Master has already conquered, should have left a profound impression. This path emphasizes commanding other mechanical constructs, orchestrating their combat and repair.”

“The Daoist path primarily evaluates the execution of Five Elements Mysticism. Thus, every cultivator who successfully traverses the Daoist path possesses an exceptional talent for spellcasting.”

“Furthermore, the Five Elements Mysticism is remarkably balanced, addressing virtually every aspect. Beyond offensive prowess, it also excels in defense, enemy control, healing, and other facets.”

*Smack! Smack!*

“Finally, the Demonic path is exclusively tailored to cultivate the ability to overcome formidable obstacles. Like those puissant body cultivators on the battlefield, they often charge unreservedly, plunging into enemy formations to slay enemy commanders amidst a sea of soldiers.”

“This is all I can reveal to Little Master. Exercise the utmost caution.”

*Smack! Smack! Smack!*

The more the Dragon-Turtle Fire Spirit spoke, the more it transgressed, and the more frequent the lashes became.

Hearing the sound of the whip striking, Ning Zhuo couldn’t help but inquire curiously: “Strange, what is that sound?”

Dragon-Turtle Fire Spirit: “Wuwuwu…”

A peculiar feeling arose in Ning Zhuo’s heart: “Dragon-Turtle Fire Spirit, are you weeping?”

The Dragon-Turtle Fire Spirit puffed out its neck: “Of course not! I am merely being scourged! Ah!”

It could no longer endure, and a cry of pain escaped its lips.

“I… I am a Palace Spirit, meant to maintain an absolutely impartial stance.”

“But my recent words, offering crucial guidance to Little Master, have violated this principle. Thus, I am receiving punishment from the Immortal Palace, ah!!”

Upon reaching this point, the Dragon-Turtle Fire Spirit was once again wracked by excruciating pain.

Despite the profound sense of humiliation, it was determined to do everything in its power to convince Ning Zhuo, even at this cost.

Ning Zhuo took a deep breath: “Dragon-Turtle Fire Spirit, I am grateful for all you have done for me. When I seize control of the Immortal Palace in the future, I shall remember your kindness and greatly reward you!”

Dragon-Turtle Fire Spirit: …

Hearing Ning Zhuo’s consolation, it only felt even more pain!

“Dragon-Turtle Fire Spirit, Dragon-Turtle Fire Spirit,” Ning Zhuo called out.

The Dragon-Turtle Fire Spirit was in too much pain to speak to Ning Zhuo. It shut its mouth, retracting its limbs and head into its shell, silently enduring the scourging.

From time to time, muffled groans escaped its lips as it struggled against the unbearable agony.

*Smack! Smack.*

*Smack! Smack! Smack.*

Ning Zhuo clenched his fists, sighing deeply: “Dragon-Turtle Fire Spirit, hold on!”

“Where in the Immortal Palace are you?”

“Is there anything I can do to help you?”

“That’s right, the Life-Thread Connection!”

“I can use the Life-Thread Connection to link to you, cast spells, and help you withstand it.”

The Dragon-Turtle Fire Spirit couldn’t resist extending its head, glaring fiercely, its gaze piercing the air, fixed squarely on Ning Zhuo: “Are you even saying things that make sense?!”

Its head was struck by a lash.

The Dragon-Turtle Fire Spirit whimpered in pain, and could only retract once more, muttering curses under its breath.

Ning Zhuo called out to the Dragon-Turtle Fire Spirit, but received no response for a long time, assuming that it was too weak from the beating and had lost contact.

He pondered the Dragon-Turtle Fire Spirit’s words, and after a moment of reflection, understood its implied meaning.

“So, the Demonic path is designed to cultivate vanguard-like figures.”

“Then, relying on Yuan Dasheng to traverse the path is a grave violation of the three Sect Ancestors’ intentions in setting up this trial.”

“Violating the intentions of the three Sect Ancestors will surely not end well.”

“Just like when I cast the spell earlier, stimulating the meridian of the Kung Fu Puppet, it had a detrimental effect on the entire battle.”

“The Dragon-Turtle Fire Spirit disregarded the severe punishment it would incur, just to remind me.”

“This indicates that if I continue to rely on Yuan Dasheng to assist me in traversing the path, I will suffer significant losses.”

“No, to be precise, it specifically reminded me before I pushed open the door… which means, I cannot bring Yuan Dasheng inside?”

“The final trial, I must rely on myself?”

Seeing that Ning Zhuo had stationed Yuan Dasheng in the second trial and intended to face the final gate alone, the Dragon-Turtle Fire Spirit, while gratified, once again transmitted its voice: “Li-Little Master.”

“Why are you so preoccupied with clearing the trials?”

“This Little Spirit believes that Ning Xiaohui is your greatest threat.”

Ning Zhuo responded: “My aim in clearing the trials is precisely to resolve the threat posed by Ning Xiaohui.”

“Clearing the Buddhist path yielded medical hall tokens, and I suspect that the *Shiji* Pavilion Warden’s token lies within the final reward of the Demonic or Daoist path.”

“As long as I obtain the corresponding position, I need not fear anyone claiming a position related to the *Shiji* Pavilion in the future.”

“I can, with a single thought, demote them all, thereby achieving a permanent solution!”

The Dragon-Turtle Fire Spirit winced in pain: “Alas, this Little Spirit’s concerns were justified.”

“Little Master, the *Shiji* Pavilion Warden’s token is not among the rewards for clearing any of the paths.”

Ning Zhuo was taken aback: “How can that be?”

The Dragon-Turtle Fire Spirit revealed: “The authority of the Magma Immortal Palace is primarily divided into three shares.”

“One share belongs to me, the Palace Spirit, responsible for the operation and functionality of the Magma Immortal Palace.”

“One share belongs to the Palace Seal, responsible for the inheritance of the three Sect Supreme Arts. This is my Demonic Heart, Buddha Imprint, which is why Little Master can influence the trial challenges.”

“The final share belongs to the Palace Lord. The Palace Lord is responsible for personnel changes.”

“Of course, the three shares of authority are not strictly delineated. We also concurrently manage other domains.”

“For example, I, in addition to overseeing the operation of the Magma Immortal Palace, can also slightly intervene in the inheritance of the three Sect Supreme Arts, as well as the merit evaluations of cultivators in various positions.”

“The Palace Seal and Palace Lord are the same.”

“After the trial disciples clear the trials, the positions they choose are all related to inheritance. For example, the medical hall positions are to continue training the disciples in practical repair and healing skills.”

“Another example is the Platform Commander after the Demonic path, which is to train disciples in command abilities during large-scale battles.”

“The *Shiji* Pavilion positions are not related to inheritance, but fall within the scope of my Palace Spirit’s jurisdiction, and are one of the functional buildings of the Magma Immortal Palace.”
“To acquire a position in the Records Pavilion, one must accumulate contributions and merits. Of course, the Records Pavilion is of great significance. Those who can hold such a position must be one of our own. Outsiders cannot be promoted to it.”

Ning Zhuo suddenly understood, “So that’s how it is. Even so, I still must try to pass the trials!”

The Dragon-Turtle Fire Spirit was so anxious it flared up again. It had explained it so clearly, why was Ning Zhuo still so persistent?

Ning Zhuo said, “I have another plan.”

The Dragon-Turtle Fire Spirit wanted to ask about the plan, as it concerned its great freedom endeavor.

But Ning Zhuo didn’t elaborate, and suddenly inquired about Foundation Establishment methods.

He voiced his conjectures, seeking confirmation from the Dragon-Turtle Fire Spirit.

The Dragon-Turtle Fire Spirit was silent for a moment, but ultimately spoke the truth, “Little Master, your conjecture is correct.”

“Passing through one path, the Foundation Establishment method obtained only counts as a single Dantian Foundation Establishment.”

“Combining two paths of Foundation Establishment methods creates a dual-Dantian Foundation Establishment.”

“Three paths of Foundation Establishment methods is the true meaning of a Three-Dantian Foundation Establishment!”

“However, Little Master, why be so hasty? The focus should be on…”

Ning Zhuo directly interrupted it and asked, “What methods should be used to assist a Three-Dantian Foundation Establishment?”

The Dragon-Turtle Fire Spirit was silent again, but ultimately chose to answer, “No methods are necessary.”

“The world often uses Foundation Establishment Pills to increase the success rate of Foundation Establishment.”

“Essentially, the Foundation Establishment Pill provides a large amount of vital essence, energy, and spirit, while also harmonizing the relationship between the three Dantians.”

“The Old Master created the Three Supreme Arts, which temper vital essence, energy, and spirit, greatly enhancing them.”

“Moreover, in the later stages of the seventh to ninth layers, the Three Supreme Arts emphasize the synchronization and connection of the three Dantians.”

“Therefore, as long as the disciples cultivate all three arts to the peak of the ninth layer, they can smoothly achieve Foundation Establishment, naturally and without any obstacles.”

Ning Zhuo was overjoyed.

This meant that as long as he obtained the complete Foundation Establishment method, he could smoothly achieve Foundation Establishment!

But he quickly calmed down.

He thought of his own situation. Even with the Foundation Establishment method, he faced the surveillance of Golden Core Ancestors. Floating Cloud was no longer safe, making it difficult to find an opportunity for Foundation Establishment!

The Dragon-Turtle Fire Spirit anxiously inquired, “Little Master, what exactly is your plan?”

Ning Zhuo replied, “Not so fast, not so fast.”

“I ask you, what exactly is the Palace Examination? When will the Palace Examination be opened, allowing me to compete for the position of Immortal Palace Master?”

The Dragon-Turtle Fire Spirit took a deep breath, suppressing its irritability, and had to answer, “The condition for opening the Palace Examination is that a certain cultivator meets the standards.”

“Their cultivation base, corresponding level of Mechanist Art, and meritorious contributions must all reach a certain level. This will trigger the Palace Examination.”

“The lower the cultivation base, the higher the meritorious contributions required.”

“When the Palace Examination is opened, the top thirty-two cultivators below the key figure, ranked according to the standards, will also gain the qualification to participate in the Palace Examination at the same time, competing on the same stage with the key figure.”

“The Old Master made this arrangement to prevent those with ulterior motives from engaging in irregular operations. It also provides the key figure with an opportunity to display their strength and subdue others.”

Ning Zhuo asked again, “How can I meet the standards?”

The Dragon-Turtle Fire Spirit then said, “Meritorious contributions must reach the level of a first-rank position.”

Ning Zhuo was stunned. He had recently been studying the tasks in the medical hall and knew the merit evaluation for each task.

Although he held this second-rank position, it didn’t mean he possessed second-rank merit.

This goal was too high!

Because Ning Zhuo’s merit was very awkward.

It… was negative.

You must know that Ning Zhuo had previously bombed the Immortal Palace!

“L-Little Master,” the Dragon-Turtle Fire Spirit couldn’t hold back any longer, “I’m about to disconnect from you again.”

“What’s your plan? Please tell Little Spirit quickly!”

Seeing this, Ning Zhuo finally deigned to reveal his plan.

After hearing it, the Dragon-Turtle Fire Spirit was both happy and fearful, “T-This is far too dangerous…”